Arabic version: الغضب بسبب أفعال لاعب كرة القدم الإسرائيلي العسكرية في لبنان
Israeli footballer Menashe Zalka has sparked outrage after being seen actively participating in a military assault in southern Lebanon. Dressed in an Israeli army uniform, Zalka was filmed opening fire with a machine gun and throwing a grenade, actions that have drawn significant condemnation from fans and football officials alike. According to Al Jazeera, the video was verified and reportedly showcases Zalka’s involvement during Israel’s military operations in the region.
Zalka, who plays for Hapoel Hadera in the Israeli Premier League, is a reserve member of the army’s paratrooper brigade. The 35-year-old has previously been part of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, where he was among the reserves “for hundreds of days,” according to a post by former member of the Knesset, Dov Lipman. His recent actions have led to calls for FIFA to take disciplinary measures against him and the Israeli Football Association (IFA).
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has condemned Zalka’s involvement, labeling it “unacceptable.” The PFA’s Vice President Susan Shalabi criticized the glorification of Zalka’s actions by Israeli media, highlighting the serious implications of such behavior in the context of ongoing conflicts.
Calls for FIFA to impose sanctions on Zalka and the IFA have intensified, particularly after the IFA was previously fined 150,000 Swiss francs ($189,000) for multiple breaches of anti-discrimination obligations. Despite these violations, FIFA has not suspended the IFA, which has led to accusations of double standards regarding FIFA’s responses to similar situations involving other nations, such as Russia.
Football fans have expressed their outrage, describing Zalka’s actions as “truly evil” and questioning FIFA’s inaction. The ongoing violence in Gaza and the recent military activities in Lebanon have further fueled the debate surrounding the ethics of sports figures involved in military conflicts, with many calling for accountability within the world of football.
